Christa is proud to call herself a true Rector native. Although she was raised on the Texas Gulf Coast, she was born right here on Hickman St. As an adult she traveled and lived in several places before deciding it was time to come home in 1994. She has been active in the community and enjoys watching the world go by from her front porch.

Groundhog's Got Some Clout

Posted Monday, February 12, 2018, at 12:42 PM

I never did put too much stock in Punxsutawney Phil and his weather forecasting proficiency. I mean, Groundhog’s Day is February 2, which is pretty near the middle of winter weather in the northern hemisphere. It is not going to be balmy anytime soon, if he doesn’t see his shadow then. We are looking at mid-March if he DOES see his shadow, so I just figured he’s an attention hog. But gee whiz! We could have a little respite from the winter weather anyway. At least the sun is shining today. And we have already used up a week and a half of his six weeks. Spring will be here eventually.

The months march on whether the weather screams spring or not. Who needs some help with the upcoming ACT scores? Rector High School will be holding a Boot Camp for test taking on February 23. That’s a Friday and it starts at 8:00 a.m. ending at 3:00 p.m. This is a good way to boost your confidence on test day and maybe your scores too. Eleventh Graders are all enrolled automatically. Tenth and Twelfth Graders have the option to sign up.

This weekend is the Clay County Arts Council’s “Night of Chocolate.” Saturday, February 17. The play is “A Window for Murder” and I hear it is a scream. What could be more fun on Valentine’s weekend. Lots of chocolate, of course and a fabulous buffet served by Traveling Wisk. Join CCAC for an unforgettable night in 1920's England - $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Call 870-595-3035 for will-call tickets and more information.

The next weekend is the Chili Cook-off. There is no better way to show off your favorite chili recipe. That’s at the Rector Community Center on Saturday, February 24. The competition is fierce, and the recipes are awesome and varied. We will also be judging soup and Jambalaya. Entry fees are $25.00 and you can pick up the forms at the Rector Water Department. Call 870 595-3035 for more information. You will need to have your entries to the Community Center by 4:30 on Saturday. Judging will be at 5:00. Of course, for those of us who don’t want to cook chili that day, we get to eat chili, soup and jambalaya. $5.00 will get you a bowl of one of these delights, with a drink and a dessert. Doors open at 6:00 for dinner. This is always a good way to spend an afternoon. Proceeds benefit the Community Center.

I will continue to remind you about the Vietnam-Era Veterans Welcome Home Celebration in March. The Facebook page is drawing attention. We now have over 100 followers. Keep up with the newest news there and don’t forget to share the postings. Another thing. Some of those who served at that time are not on Facebook. So if you know a vet from the Vietnam era, make sure you let them know. We have ads to run on the television stations and the radio stations, but we want to be sure everyone knows about it. These people deserve some recognition.

You can now order your tickets for the Jimmy Fortune Concert on the Facebook Page. Just find the Shop Now Button right under the header and it will take you to Paypal, a secure site to enter your credit card information. There is also a button to purchase tickets on the web page which will take you to the Paypal payment page. Tickets are also available at the Rector Water Department. If you have stories about the Vietnam War, please contact me. I would like to put some of those memories on the Facebook page and on the website: https://www.facebook.com/VietnamVeternansWelcomeHome/https://christah8.wixsite.com/vietnamvetswelcome . Keep checking on the Facebook page and follow it for more information as it is solidified. The Rector First United Methodist Church will also be frying up some fish between the parade and the concert in case anyone is hungry and wants to visit a bit. $5.00 a plate for veterans and $10.00 for the rest of us.

Look for information on your favorite Vietnam-era Vet on the Facebook page and on the website.

I guess that’s it for today. Give me a call or send me an email if there is something you would like me to write about in the column. Visitors or trips you have taken are fun to share.